First Boeing 737 MAX 9 Enters Service with Thai Lion Air

Boeing delivered its very first 737 MAX 9 to Thai Lion Air. The MAX 9’s extra capacity will help the airline add several international routes. (PRNewsfoto/Boeing)

Thai Lion Air has become the launch operator of the Boeing 737 MAX 9.

The airline’s first aircraft, HS-LSH, was delivered to Bangkok Don Mueang airport on Wedesday 21 March from Seattle.

The Thai offshoot of Indonesia’s Lion Air will receive four MAX 9 aircraft in total to operate alongside its fleet of 737-800s and A330-300s on route across Asia. The airline group was also the launch customer for the 737 MAX 8.

“The 737 MAX 9 is a perfect fit for our growing business in Thailand,” said Capt. Darsito Hendro Seputro, CEO and Chairman of Thai Lion Air. “The 737 has been the backbone of our business since we began and we will use the added capacity the airplane provides to expand our network and start additional routes to Bangladesh, China and India.”